When the Focus Changed—Through the Lens of Experience

Fresh on the heels of the scenario I recently wrote about, here is the next installment of my observations and struggles to figure out what is right. The following is probably too simple and idealistic and not exacting enough for debate, but I’m fleshing out my reactions in the light of the verse below:

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God”–Matthew 5:9

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Now the problem with the previous exploration is that I want to extrapolate it. Perhaps it isn’t something that can be expanded to society at large or to a global scale. Our country often finds itself in situations similar to that. However, our country is invested in keeping conflict going rather than resolving it. In our history, we have entered into conflict around the world, and basically become the onlooker in the above situation. In our haste, we have jumped in and protected one side of a conflict without flinching and then found ourselves protecting that side forever afterwards. Other times, we have reacted to such a situation and provided one side the ability to overwhelm the other. In the aftermath of seeing the outcomes of both methods, we sometimes have a reactionary response. We then provide aid and help to both sides of the conflict.

That happens so easily because conflict between peoples or nations rarely occurs in short durations of time. Years and years can pass. So as a benevolent nation, when we step to assist one side of a conflict we observe the horror that conflict brings. So, we step in and provide aid to the other side of the conflict. Medical supplies, food, infrastructure, trade, and even weaponry are things that we’ve provided to both sides of a conflict. In fact, it’s rare nowadays that there isn’t some assistance to both sides of an international conflict that we’re not involved in reaching out to help. That is because if we make sure that two sides of a conflict cannot wipe the other off the face of the earth then they eventually will find peace, right?

That reality sounds like a caring and compassionate extension of our character. It really appears to be a positive philosophy.

Now let’s look at the scenario that I used earlier. Two people beating on each other. If we provide support on one side to equal the fight, the one that was “winning” earlier might seek out assistance from elsewhere. (this happens) Then the conflict gets worse because they come back with better weapons, more people, better tactical advantage, etc. So we then have to jack up our support to either match again (so it will be a standoff), or to keep the other side from getting more support we have to over-support our ally. Essentially we would provide a superior advantage to our ally to discourage them from ratcheting up their abilities.

What would you do if you all of a sudden had a superior position against someone who was previously beating you silly? Many of us would try to get revenge. As conflict escalates, more hurt and pain gets inflicted until it spirals out of control. Dispute leads to conflict leads to confrontation leads to war. Eventually, things will just get very ugly.

Now watching this as someone who is now involved and now responsible for giving the tools for revenge it hurts. What do we do now? If we are truly not wanting this to continue, we must get involved again, right? Do we help the other side even the balance of power? The USA has been doing basically that very thing for the better part of the last 100 years. Most of the time, we unify against a grave injustice. Other times, we’ve been working on both sides of situations and conflicts.

That statement makes me feel ill in reflection. It basically means that we’ve basically watched the two people beat each other up, and provided arms and assistance to both sides for long periods of time. Whatever our intentions that got us into the conflict, the longer we allow the conflicts to continue, the more pain, bloodshed, pain, and anguish happen to people.

I have a question echoing in my ears as I think about this. How long will the people involved in the conflicts go until they realise that the real enemy in the situation is us? Because it occurs to me that if we provide military assistance to both sides, medical assistance to both sides, monetary support to both sides… we are on the side of the CONFLICT itself!

I view what happened to us on 9/11 through that mentality. Eventually people resented our involvement in their conflicts for so long that they were angrier at us than the nations and peoples they’ve been at war with for centuries.

To truly be a peacemaker, we have to end the conflict. Pacifists have the mentality that all conflict that ends in war is unjust. They believe war is not an answer. I agree with starting a war, but ending one… that’s another question. How do you help someone end their war? How do we watch others’ conflicts and see the horrors that naturally come from them without being moved to action? The answers don’t really come easy.

Different things one can dream if given the chance

Charles Dean Burbank

I'm a recovering Christian, a recovering alcoholic, a broken and sinful survivor, a recovering brother and son, a recovering missionary, a recovering writer, and a recovering dreamer.

Yet, I've been blessed with being a teacher, a storyteller, a counselor, a theologian, a scientist, a labourer, a leader, a follower, a writer, and a dreamer.

Hopefully I won't be getting over any of these anytime soon. However, I do pray that I might be better at dealing with them and being them as I walk through this trek.

Someone once told me I was the dumbest genius they knew. Another told me that I was essentially the socket-wrench of Satan. Hopefully I'm neither, and yet somewhat both. (except for the Satan part)

If you enjoy the creative works that I will get around to inflicting upon this, please know that they are mine, and don't use them unless you ask. I would be so honoured, I think I would pass out from the mere question... The writing is mine, unless noted, and the photos may be mine or borrowed.

Map of the Path

Back Thoughts

Back Thoughts

A Niche of Encouragement

One of my biggest desires is to serve God with whatever talents that I still may use. Writing seems to be one of those. But, I need direction, purpose, and development of intention. Skill or mere rote writing won't be it for me. I would cherish your prayers, suggestions, and guidance as I try to walk this new path. Cheers.